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To some, the common dandelion is just a bothersome weed. However, dandelion root has been used in traditional herbal medicine for hundreds of years. After examining the properties of dandelion in detail, modern science suggests that its root might have significant benefits that can keep you healthy and disease-free.

Dandelion

The dandelion plant (Taraxacum officinale) is a hardy perennial that grows wild in temperate regions worldwide. It has a thick, long taproot that has been used for centuries as a medicinal aid. Native Americans boiled the dandelion plant and used it to treat kidney disease, skin disorders and upset stomach. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is commonly recommended for digestive problems and to improve milk production in breast-feeding women, and European herbalists use dandelion for fever, diarrhea and diabetes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Dandelion contains several biologically active constituents that make it potentially beneficial for your health.

Kidney Effects

Clinical research suggests that dandelion is an effective diuretic that increases urine output by the kidneys. In a study published in the "Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine" in 2009, human subjects consumed dandelion extract for one day while their urine production was monitored every few hours. Researchers found that dandelion caused a significant increase in urine output compared to the amount measured on the previous two days. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, increasing urine production dandelion could help rid your body of excess fluid, reduce high blood pressure and improve liver problems.

Anti-Cancer Activity

Some laboratory research also suggests that compounds in dandelion root might have anti-cancer properties. For example, in a study published in "Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin" of the compound lupeol from dandelion root, researchers found that the compound blocked growth of cultured melanoma cells and caused them to develop into non-cancerous, normal cells. Another study published in the same journal in 2002 found similar anti-cancer effects of taraxinic acid, another dandelion root compound, on cultured leukemia cells. While these are promising results from laboratory research, they need confirmation in large clinical trials with human subjects.

How To Use

Dandelion root is available from health-food stores in powdered form, or as an extract in capsules or as liquid. A typical dose is 2 to 8 grams of dried root three times daily, or 250 milligrams of an extract, three to four times daily. Although generally considered quite safe, do not take dandelion if you have gall bladder disease or gallstones. It may also cause an allergic reaction or mild gastrointestinal problems in some people. Dandelion root may interact with certain medications, including diuretics, diabetes medicines or lithium. Discuss its use with your doctor to decide if dandelion might be helpful for your situation.

About the Author

Joanne Marie began writing professionally in 1981. Her work has appeared in health, medical and scientific publications such as Endocrinology and Journal of Cell Biology. She has also published in hobbyist offerings such as The Hobstarand The Bagpiper. Marie is a certified master gardener and has a Ph.D. in anatomy from Temple University School of Medicine.